Rajasthan toxic air crisis intensifies as Jaipur, Bhiwadi and three other cities record dangerously high AQI levels just days before Diwali-

Jaipur, Oct.17,2025:The Rajasthan toxic air crisis is not hypothetical — real-time readings validate its severity. In Jaipur, AQI status has hovered in the “Unhealthy” bracket, with PM10 at ~138 µg/m³ and PM2.5 ~76 µg/m³-

In Bhiwadi, the situation is even more critical: industrial area readings report AQI ~175 (Unhealthy), while some sources list AQI ~204 in Bhiwadi.

State-wide, cities are marred by smog-

Sources report-

• In Bhiwadi’s RIICO Industrial Area III, AQI is ~175 (Unhealthy)
• Bhiwadi’s earlier records also show extremely high pollution, placing it among India’s most polluted cities in past years
• Jaipur’s live dashboard shows “Unhealthy” air quality metrics

This pollution surge is notably occurring before Diwali — a time when part of Rajasthan often registers its worst air.

Cities Most Affected- Jaipur, Bhiwadi & Beyond

Jaipur- The Capital Suffers

In Jaipur’s Mansarovar, levels peaked at ~260 AQI — deep in the “poor to unhealthy” bracket. Many neighborhoods echoed similar figures, creating an air blanket of discomfort.

Bhiwadi- Industrial Smog Hub

Bhiwadi, at the Rajasthan–NCR periphery, is historically prone to grave pollution. The Rajasthan toxic air crisis has intensified that. Because many industries, factories, and power units cluster here, emissions, dust, and ambient pollution converge. Past reports have flagged Bhiwadi as among the worst polluted cities in India.

Bharatpur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh

These cities, though less industrialized than Bhiwadi, face surges due to vehicular emissions, dust, construction and local burning. Reported AQIs in the 200+ range indicate dangerous levels.

Main Pollution Drivers & Seasonal Factors

 Vehicle Emissions & Industrial Output

With expanding urbanization in Jaipur and around Bhiwadi, traffic has skyrocketed. Emissions from diesel vehicles, inadequate public transport, and industrial stacks combine into a toxic brew.

Construction, Dust & Soil Disruption

Ongoing construction in emerging urban zones generates copious dust. In absence of strict control, that dust remains airborne as PM10 / PM2.5, worsening the Rajasthan toxic air crisis.

Stubble Burning & Neighbouring State Influx

Though Rajasthan doesn’t extensively burn crop residue, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab (adjacent) do. Wind drift can carry pollutants into Rajasthan.

Cold Weather & Low Wind

As Diwali approaches (mid-October), atmospheric inversion layers can trap pollutants near ground. Low wind speeds prevent dispersion, causing pollutant build-up.

Local Burning & Firecrackers

Though Diwali itself will bring firecracker use, early burning of leaves, trash, and fireworks intensifies already poor air.

Health Risks & Vulnerable Populations

The Rajasthan toxic air crisis is not just numbers — it’s a public health emergency.

• Respiratory illnesses: exacerbation of asthma, COPD, bronchitis
• Cardiovascular stress: elevated risk of heart attacks
• Children & elderly: more susceptible due to weaker immune/respiratory systems
• Pregnant women: higher chances of low birth weight, developmental impacts

Medical professionals warn: avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially early morning and late evenings. Use masks (N95 / N99) outdoors.

Official Responses & Mitigation Steps

Authorities are responding, though with urgency demanded by the Rajasthan toxic air crisis–

• State pollution control board advisories to limit outdoor movement
• Some local government bodies may deploy water sprinklers on roads or dust suppression (as seen in other Indian cities)
• Public appeals to reduce burning, construction during peak pollution hours
• Sent support for ambulances and medical readiness (e.g. 108 ambulances in Rajasthan on duty)

However, sustained and structural steps remain limited so far.

Comparisons with Past Diwali Pollution Spikes

Historically, Jaipur has recorded even more severe air during Diwali seasons — AQI values crossing 300+.

• Last Diwali, Jaipur’s air reportedly touched AQI 350+.
• Bhiwadi has in past years appeared among world’s most polluted during Diwali.
• Some cities adopt GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) during severe pollution episodes — restricting transport, construction, etc.

These patterns reflect that the Rajasthan toxic air crisis is cyclical, tied to festival seasons and meteorological trends.

Community Measures & Citizen Role

What Citizens Can Do

• Use masks (N95 / N99) when outdoors
• Minimize use of private vehicles; prefer carpool, public transport
• Avoid burning leaves, trash or stubble locally
• Limit outdoor exercise during early mornings / evenings
• Use air purifiers / indoor plants where possible

Community & Civil Society Actions

• Awareness campaigns about pollution & health
• Local monitoring and reporting of open burning or dust
• Tree planting in urban belts to create barriers

The Path Forward: Policy, Tech & Reform

To counter the Rajasthan toxic air crisis sustainably, integrated policy and technology actions are needed-

Stricter Pollution Norms & Enforcement

• Enforce emissions standards for industry, vehicles
• Mandate dust control at construction sites
• Ban or regulate open burning

Green Infrastructure & Urban Planning

• Green belts as pollution buffers
• Urban planning to reduce vehicular load
• Promote non-motorized transport

Air Quality Monitoring & Transparency

• Expand real-time AQI monitoring stations
• Citizen dashboards and alerts
• Linking pollution levels with health advisory systems

Cross-State Action & Collaboration

Pollution doesn’t stop at state borders. Rajasthan must coordinate with Punjab, Haryana, UP to check stubble burning, industrial emissions transfers, etc.

Clean Technology, Renewable Energy

Encourage industries to adopt cleaner fuels, filters, scrubbers. Promote solar, wind, electrified transport.

The Rajasthan toxic air crisis has struck before the lights of Diwali, turning five cities into breathing zones of risk. When pollution creeps in even before festive smoke, it’s a red alert to citizens, policymakers, and health services alike.